Echoes From the Mist (37 page)

Without another word, Badger and his horse took a few steps forward and disappeared into the hazy autumn air.

The women’s horses trotted over to them and the sounds of the forest came gently floating back, leaving them to wonder if they’d ever really gone in the first place.

Kayla reached over and with a single finger clicked Liv’s mouth shut. She smiled weakly at the other woman, hoping she wouldn’t be too upset. "Surprise?"

Liv’s eyebrows crawled up her forehead and stayed there. For a moment she was truly speechless. She felt Kayla wrap her in a bear hug and eagerly returned the embrace.

"Are you okay?" Kayla whispered into fair hair.

Liv sighed and burrowed closer to Kayla, the warmth chasing away her chill. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, listening with her entire being as she opened her heart and mind.

Kayla’s ability flared and she could literally feel what Liv was doing. Her eyes slid closed too and she extended her senses beyond the here and now to what
could
be.

In the far off distance they both heard the faint echo of laughter. Badger’s robust, lively chuckle was impossible to miss, but along with it was mixed two women’s voices; one slightly lighter and gentle, and the other deep and true. They’d never heard them before but somehow they were as familiar as their own reflections. A peace stole over them, filling them completely.

Liv looked up into Kayla’s eyes and the voices faded away, leaving them alone together in the woods. "Yeah. I think I am okay," she said, meaning every word.

The breeze picked up a lock of blonde hair and Kayla tucked it behind Liv’s ear, smiling the entire time. She knew that Edinburgh and the secrets it held would surely call them back again someday.

But for today it was time to go home.

THE END

ay
yes
aye
always
auld
old
bairn
child
bonnie, bonny
beautiful
brae
hill
close
courtyard; entry or alley
faither
father
fash yersel
to worry yourself
gab
talk
lad, laddie
boy
lass, lassie
girl
mither
mother
nicht
night
och!
an all-purpose exclamation
sassenach
English person; foreigner
sporran
leather pouch
suin
soon
wee
little, small
weel
well
wi’
with
yersels
yourself
Tha gaol agam ort.
I love you.
Haud yer wheesht.
Shut your mouth.

      
Go here to see traditional Gaelic wedding vows and their English translation:
http://www.tartans.com/traditions/wedding.html